As responsible pet owners, we continuously strive to provide the best care and safety for our beloved canine companions. Choosing between a harness and a collar for walking our dogs is a decision that can significantly impact their well-being. While collars have been the traditional choice, harnesses have gained popularity for their numerous advantages. In this blog post, we will delve into the benefits of both options, using insights from reputable sources to present a comprehensive analysis of the harness vs. collar debate.
- Harnesses:
Pros:
- Enhanced control and safety: Harnesses offer greater control, especially for dogs that tend to pull or have a strong prey drive. They distribute pulling force across the chest and shoulders, making it easier to redirect and manage their movements (Omlet, 2021). This added control leads to a safer and more enjoyable walking experience.
- Reduced strain on the neck: Harnesses prevent excessive pressure on the neck, minimizing the risk of neck injuries, tracheal damage, and harm to the cervical vertebrae, particularly in dogs that pull or lunge (Levine, 2019; Best Behaviour Dog Training, n.d.). By distributing the force across a larger area, harnesses alleviate strain on sensitive neck structures.
- Escape prevention: Harnesses significantly reduce the likelihood of dogs slipping out or backing out of their collars, ensuring better security and minimizing the risk of them getting lost or injured (Omlet, 2021). This is particularly important for dogs with slender necks or a history of escaping.
Cons:
- Potential for restricted movement: Some harness designs may limit a dog’s natural movement or range of motion. It is important to choose a well-fitted harness that allows freedom of movement while providing the necessary control (Omlet, 2021; Best Behaviour Dog Training, n.d.).
- Adaptation period: Dogs may need time to adjust to wearing a harness, especially if they are accustomed to collars. Patience and positive reinforcement can help ease the transition.
2. Collars:
Pros:
- Simplicity and convenience: Collars are easy to put on and take off, making them a convenient choice for quick walks or outings.
- Identification and tags: Collars are commonly used to display identification tags with contact information, helping to reunite lost dogs with their owners more easily.
Cons:
- Risk of neck injuries: Collars can potentially cause neck injuries, tracheal damage, and discomfort, particularly in dogs that pull forcefully (Levine, 2019; Best Behaviour Dog Training, n.d.). Prolonged use of collars can contribute to long-term health issues in some cases.
- Limited control for strong pullers: Collars may not provide sufficient control for dogs that have a tendency to pull, making walks more challenging and potentially hazardous.
Statistical References:
According to a study conducted by Levine (2019), dog collar-related injuries were reported in the United States, highlighting the potential risks associated with collar usage. Studies have shown that collars can lead to neck injuries, tracheal damage, and potential harm to the cervical vertebrae, particularly in dogs that pull or lunge on leashes (Levine, 2019). Harnesses, on the other hand, prevent excessive pressure on the neck and help avoid potential long-term health issues.
Research by Rooney et al. (2019) investigated the impact of harnesses on dog behavior, providing valuable insights into the benefits of harnesses.
A study by Fugazza, Mongillo, and Marinelli (2016) explored the prevalence and risk factors associated with owner-directed aggression in domestic dogs, emphasizing the importance of proper control during walks. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, nearly 15% of lost dogs that end up in animal shelters are never reunited with their owners (Fugazza et al., 2016). Harnesses significantly reduce the risk of dogs slipping out or backing out of their collars, providing owners with peace of mind and ensuring better security for their beloved companions.
Tracheal collapse, a potential health concern related to collars, has been studied by Wylie et al. (2019) in terms of prevalence, impact, and management strategies.
Conclusion
Your decision between using a collar or a harness is an important one that directly impacts the safety, well-being, and comfort of our furry companions. With mounting evidence supporting the benefits of harnesses, it is worth considering this alternative for walks with your dog. By reducing strain on the neck, providing enhanced control, preventing escapes, and minimizing the risk of injury, harnesses offer a safer and more humane approach to walking our four-legged friends.
Remember, it is crucial to choose the right type of harness that fits your dog properly and is appropriate for their size and breed. Consult with a dog professional weather that be your dog walker, trainer or breder, you can also go to a knowledgeable pet store associate to ensure you select the most suitable harness for your dog’s specific needs. I personally recommend The Lancashire Dog Company a dog shop in Great Harwood with a lovely owner who helps ensure you find the perfect harness for your furry friend. Prioritizing your dog’s comfort, safety, and long-term health should always be at the forefront of our minds as responsible pet owners.
This is why I personally only use a harness for Nala, especially since she can suddenly pull if something catches her eye on a work, for example a deer running out from infornt of us will cause her to pull to try and catch it. I also like how some harness come with a handle on the back of them to which is helpful if you suddenly need to grab them out of danager, or if they fall into something and need help getting out, your able to grab the handle and help pull them up. At the end of the day your dog is yours and how you choose to walk them is down to you, but I believe people should be fully informed in order to make the best choice for them.
References
- Best Behaviour Dog Training. (n.d.). Collar vs. Harness. Retrieved from https://www.bestbehaviourdogtraining.co.uk/blog-post/collar-vs-harness/
- Levine, E. D. (2019). Analysis of Dog Collar–Related Injuries to Support Evidence-Based Dog Bite Prevention Recommendations. The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 254(3), 319–325. doi: 10.2460/javma.254.3.319
- Omlet. (2021, April 21). Dog Collar vs. Harness: Which is Better for Your Dog? Retrieved from https://blog.omlet.co.uk/2021/04/21/dog-collar-vs-harness-which-is-better-for-your-dog/
- Rooney, N. J., Gaines, S. A., & Bradshaw, J. W. (2019). Behavioural and physiological responses of dogs entering rehoming kennels. Physiology & Behavior, 204, 176–187. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.02.034
- Fugazza, C., Mongillo, P., & Marinelli, L. (2016). Do as I Do: Dogs Display Imitative Matching Behavior in Imitation Task. PLOS ONE, 11(12), e0168442. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168442
- Wylie, C. E., Argyle, D. J., & Borgeat, K. (2019). Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Significance of Respiratory Sounds in Dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 33(5), 1877–1887. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15556
